240 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Hydrangea. — There are few more showy or serviceable conservatory plants than H. 

 hortensis and its blue-flowered variety H. h. japonica. As this is also extensively 

 cultivated for the markets, cultural instructions will be duly given when the market 

 growers' chapter is reached. H. paniculata grandiflora is very different in character, and 

 the bulk of the plants forced are prepared on the Continent. The long shoots received 

 with each plant, as well as those on those home-grown, ought to be cut back to within 

 three inches or so of the older wood before forcing commences, and the strong resulting 

 shoots will each give a terminal spike of white flowers. After flowering harden and 

 plant out, deferring the pruning till the following spring, when it should be done as just 

 advised. Ordinary soil. 



Kalmia. — There are few handsomer evergreen shrubs than K. glauca and K latifolia. 

 The last-named is the best known, and fully deserves its popularity. Kalmias are peat- 

 loving aud fibrous-rooted, succeeding well under the same treatment that rhododendrons 

 thrive upon. 



Lilac. — For forcing purposes no class of hardy deciduous shrubs are so much grown 

 as these. The Persian species, Syringa persica, is the freest-flowering, but the flowers 

 are not equal to those of S. chinensis, while the common lilac, Syringa vulgaris and its 

 varieties, are still finer. Flowers are produced by large globose buds which are easily 

 distinguished from the more conical wood-buds, and only bushes well furnished with 

 the former should be lifted. They force easily enough, but the best for the purpose are 

 Charles X., Marie Legraye and the very dark Souvenir de Louis Spath (Fig. 143), all 

 varieties of the common lilac. If pure white flowers are desired, and they are the most 

 valuable in a cut state, force strong bushes of Charles X. in a mushroom house or in a 

 structure kept constantly dark, moist, and at a temperature of 55° to 60°. After 

 flowering, harden ; prune somewhat severely, and plant out in ordinary garden soil. 



Philadelphus. — Although not often seen flowering in pots, there is no good reason 

 why P. coronarius and the larger-flowering P. grandifiorus should not be forced for con- 

 servatory decoration. The only objection urged against them is the strong scent the 

 flowers emit, this proving too much for some people. Treat similarly to lilacs. 



PpvUnus. — No deciduous shrub forces more readily than the double-flowering Chinese 

 plum — Primus sinensis flore pleno — and for this pure white variety the semi-double pink 

 species, P. triloba, is a good companion. Both are very beautiful. In common with 

 Deutzia gracilis these plants can easily be raised from cuttings of firm young wood as 

 early in the season as they can be procured, striking them in a close-heated frame. Top 



